Published on
November 2, 2025
Hungary Joins Germany and Belgium in Boosting Christmas Market Travel from Newcastle Airport with New Seasonal Flights and Festive Attractions as the airport ramps up its offerings for the 2025 holiday season. This year, travelers departing from Newcastle can explore some of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets with ease, thanks to new direct flights to Budapest, alongside well-established routes to Berlin and Brussels. As these cities prepare to host a range of festive attractions, including traditional holiday markets, seasonal events, and cultural celebrations, travelers are given the chance to experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas spirit like never before. With these expanded flight options and unique attractions, Newcastle Airport is making it easier than ever to enjoy a holiday getaway.
As the holiday season fast approaches, Newcastle Airport is gearing up for a wave of festive travelers looking to explore Europe’s renowned Christmas markets. This year, travelers will find an expanded offering, as Hungary joins Germany and Belgium in boosting Christmas market travel with new seasonal flights and a host of festive attractions. With Christmas markets popping up in cities across Europe, Newcastle passengers can indulge in some of the best holiday traditions the continent has to offer. From the twinkling lights of Berlin to the snow-covered streets of Budapest, there’s no shortage of magical experiences to enjoy.
New Seasonal Flights for Christmas Market Travelers
Newcastle Airport, a key regional hub for travelers in the North East, is known for its well-connected routes to European cities, and this year’s festive season is no exception. With several new seasonal flights launching, passengers will be able to access a variety of European Christmas markets without the hassle of lengthy travel times.
One of the key highlights of this year’s Christmas market season is the addition of direct flights to Budapest, Berlin, and Brussels. Hungary’s inclusion in the holiday travel line-up is a significant boost, thanks to the newly launched direct flights from Newcastle to Budapest. This destination has long been a fan favorite for city breaks, and now, with the addition of Christmas markets to the mix, it’s set to become a major attraction this festive season.
Ryanair, Jet2, and Eurowings are the key airlines operating seasonal flights, offering convenient schedules to make holiday travel seamless. In particular, Jet2 has expanded its Christmas market program, with direct flights to Berlin’s famed markets, operating from November 20 to December 14, 2025, on Thursdays and Sundays.
Berlin: A Christmas Market Wonderland
Berlin, one of the world’s most exciting capitals, takes Christmas seriously, and for good reason. More than 50 Christmas markets are expected to light up the city during the festive season. The first of these, the market in Potsdamer Platz, opened just in time for Halloween this year, setting the stage for the upcoming holiday season.
Berlin has long been a favorite for city breaks, and with its reputation for offering an eclectic blend of history, culture, and modernity, it’s easy to see why. The city’s Christmas markets are an integral part of its holiday charm, offering everything from local crafts to delicious festive foods. Among the most popular markets are those around Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt, but the market in Tegel Airport is also a brand-new attraction this year. Debuting in 2025, this market will be a unique addition, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a different aspect of Berlin’s history.
Brussels: The Heart of Belgian Festivities
Meanwhile, Brussels, a city well-known for its chocolate, beer, and beautiful architecture, is also home to one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets. For many years, the Grand-Place has been transformed into a magical wonderland of over 250 chalets, offering everything from unique gifts to traditional holiday treats. This year, Brussels is making a return to the holiday scene with even more to offer. Visitors can enjoy the stunning light displays, ride the Ferris wheel, ice skate, and explore cultural events that take place throughout the market season.
Brussels is also no stranger to Newcastle travelers, with Ryanair operating direct flights on Fridays and Sundays throughout the winter. Whether you’re planning a festive shopping spree or simply wish to soak in the holiday atmosphere, Brussels is sure to offer something for everyone.
Budapest: The Charm of Hungarian Christmas Markets
The Hungarian capital, Budapest, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for Christmas market enthusiasts. Having launched its seasonal flights from Newcastle in October, Budapest is ready to welcome travelers looking for an authentic festive experience. Hungary’s Christmas markets are renowned for their charm, with the most popular ones being located in Vorosmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Visitors can expect beautifully decorated stalls, warm drinks, and Hungarian delicacies like chimney cakes and mulled wine.
What sets Budapest apart is its romantic atmosphere, with many of the Christmas markets set against the backdrop of the Danube River, adding to the magical vibe. The city’s festive spirit is contagious, from the traditional Hungarian music filling the air to the unique gifts you can find at the market stalls. As a newer addition to the seasonal flight offerings from Newcastle, Budapest is poised to become a holiday favorite for those looking for something both festive and affordable.
Why Choose Christmas Market Breaks from Newcastle?
For those considering a European Christmas market getaway, Newcastle Airport offers an ideal starting point. With convenient flight options to three of Europe’s best-loved destinations—Berlin, Brussels, and Budapest—travelers can easily access these cities without having to deal with the stress of connecting flights. Additionally, the flexibility of direct routes ensures you get the most out of your holiday time.
Furthermore, Newcastle’s proximity to key Christmas market destinations makes it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy multiple markets in one trip. For example, travelers flying to Berlin might use it as a springboard to visit nearby Christmas markets in Leipzig or Dresden, while those visiting Brussels might venture out to neighboring cities like Antwerp and Ghent.
Unmissable Christmas Market Attractions
Each of the three cities on offer from Newcastle Airport this festive season has its own unique appeal. In Berlin, beyond the festive markets, travelers can enjoy a range of cultural activities, including performances at the Berlin Philharmonic and visits to the Berlin Wall Memorial. In Brussels, the Winter Wonders festival offers a more family-friendly experience, with an ice rink, merry-go-rounds, and cultural performances.
In Budapest, the atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy an intimate experience. The markets in Vorosmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica are small yet stunning, providing a more traditional experience compared to some of the larger, more commercialized markets. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets, with the river shimmering in the background, while indulging in Hungarian delicacies and picking up unique hand-crafted gifts.
For anyone wanting to make the most of their Christmas market travels, it’s worth remembering that many of these cities also offer wonderful opportunities for winter sightseeing beyond the markets. Whether it’s enjoying a hot chocolate in a historic café in Brussels, catching a performance at the Berlin Opera, or soaking in the panoramic views from Buda Castle in Budapest, there’s much more to these cities than just their Christmas markets.
As the holiday season draws near, Newcastle Airport’s Christmas market offerings are sure to delight both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn to the grand traditions of Berlin, the quaint charm of Brussels, or the magical allure of Budapest, there’s something undeniably special about experiencing a European Christmas market. With Jet2, Ryanair, and Eurowings making it easier than ever to explore these destinations, travelers are encouraged to plan their festive getaways sooner rather than later.
Hungary Joins Germany and Belgium in Boosting Christmas Market Travel from Newcastle Airport with New Seasonal Flights and Festive Attractions, offering travelers expanded options to explore Europe’s best Christmas markets. This year, new direct flights to Budapest complement existing routes to Berlin and Brussels, making holiday getaways even more accessible.
As Christmas markets continue to be a cornerstone of Europe’s holiday tourism, these new seasonal flights from Newcastle offer the perfect opportunity to experience some of the best festive markets in the world. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit this year, these direct routes from Newcastle to Berlin, Brussels, and Budapest are not to be missed.