Here's some unfortunate but expected news for fans of celebrating Halloween by partaking in haunted mazes. Universal Studios has announced that the annual Halloween Horror Nights event has been canceled at the California and Florida parks due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

　　In a statement, the parks said, "Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort have made the difficult decision to not hold Halloween Horror Nights this year. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to face ongoing business restrictions and uncertainty around its opening timeframe. Universal Orlando Resort will be focusing exclusively on its operating theme parks for daytime guests, using enhanced health and safety procedures already in place."

　　While this is the first time in its 30-year history Halloween Horror Nights has been canceled, it doesn't mean the event won't return. In its statement, Universal added, "We know this decision will disappoint our fans and guests. We are disappointed, too. But we look forward to creating an amazing event in 2021."

　　Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed, much like California's Disneyland, the Orlando park has been open to limited capacity crowds since early June. Make sure to check out our look at what the new procedures are and the first-hand experience with them.

　　Meanwhile, instead of being sad that there's no Horror Nights to visit this year, stock up on scary movies to watch on Peacock or HBO Max. And if all else fails, build a haunted maze in your own home.