Paint your aurora in a cozy studio. This Paint & Sip workshop in Rovaniemi is a friendly, guided way to make an aurora-themed souvenir, with step-by-step help from Laura and the extra bonus of watching Simba the Bengal cat supervise. I especially like how beginner-friendly it feels because Laura demonstrates the artwork’s process in a clear, patient way, and you’re given everything you need to paint. One thing to consider: the studio is on a 2nd floor with no elevator, so it’s not accessible for wheelchair users.

You’ll get about 2.5 hours to work on your own 30x40cm canvas using acrylics, plus small-group attention (maximum 4 people). Non-alcoholic beverages are included, and you can bring your own alcohol if you want. The vibe stays relaxed and social, without turning it into a party.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Laura leads step-by-step aurora painting so you’re not guessing your way through the whole canvas
• Small group (up to 4) means you get real help if you get stuck
• Acrylic paint workshop with full supplies (paints, brushes, palettes, easel, apron)
• Non-alcoholic drinks included, with optional alcohol you can bring yourself
• Simba the Bengal cat is there, but people with animal allergies should skip this one

Aurora Painting in Rovaniemi: Why a Workshop Beats Guesswork

Rovaniemi is famous for aurora season. But the sky doesn’t always cooperate, and when you’re hunting in the cold, it can be hard to turn a long night into a solid memory.

This workshop gives you a dependable outcome. Even if the aurora hunt was a bust, you still leave with your own aurora painting—made by your hands, with Laura’s guidance along the way. It’s the kind of activity that fits well into an aurora itinerary because it’s warm, indoor, and timed for an evening when you’re ready to slow down.

I also like that the studio experience feels personal. It’s not a huge “mass class.” With a maximum of 4 participants, you get enough attention to actually fix problems (like mixing a color you can’t quite match) instead of waiting your turn.

What Happens During the 2.5-Hour Paint & Sip

Think of the session as a guided chain: watch how it’s done, then copy the steps while Laura helps you make it your own.

1) Settle in with the studio vibe

You arrive to a cozy homestudio setup with art supplies ready and drinks waiting. The atmosphere is calm—more like a creative get-together than a formal lesson. You’ll be painting on a 30x40cm canvas, which is a good size: large enough to feel satisfying, not so big that you feel lost.

2) Laura demonstrates the aurora artwork step by step

Laura paints in front of you using a pre-selected reference artwork (auroras). She shows the process in stages, so you can follow along without needing a background in art. This matters because a lot of first-time painting classes leave you with a blank canvas and a vague plan. Here, you get the structure.

3) You paint while Laura guides and answers questions

Then you take over your own canvas. You can ask for help or guidance if you want it—especially with practical things like:

• mixing colors
• composing the work
• adding details in the right spots

This is also where your painting starts to become personal. Even when you follow the same reference, small choices—brush pressure, color mix, and how you shape your aurora bands—make your piece feel like yours.

4) Final touches and leaving with a souvenir

By the end of the 2.5 hours, you’re done enough to take home a finished painting. The point isn’t “perfect realism.” The point is that you walk out with something you created, themed around the aurora, that looks good as a keepsake.

Acrylic Paint Reality Check (and What to Wear)

A big part of making this fun is knowing how acrylic behaves.

You’ll be using acrylic paints—water-based, and generally easier to get off skin than fabric. Still, acrylic has a habit of getting where you don’t want it. You’ll receive a protective apron, but it won’t guarantee your clothes stay spotless.

So dress like you’re painting. Bring comfortable clothes and ideally a change of clothes as well. If you’ve ever ruined a favorite sweater with a craft project, you already know the logic here.

If you want one extra tip: wear layers you can move in. Painting time gets hands-on, and you’ll likely lean in and reach often as you follow the demo.

Drinks: What’s Included and What You Can Bring

The workshop includes non-alcoholic beverages during the session.

Alcohol is optional, but it’s handled differently. Alcoholic drinks are not included, and you can bring your own if you’d like. If you’re planning to enjoy a drink, keep it responsible—this is still an active hands-on workshop, and you’ll be using paint and tools.

If you prefer zero alcohol, you’re covered: you can enjoy the drinks included and keep the evening focused on painting and talking.

Small-Group Attention with Laura (Plus Simba the Bengal Cat)

One of the most distinctive parts of this workshop is the human side: Laura’s teaching style and the small group format.

With only up to 4 participants, it’s easier to get help quickly. If your aurora bands aren’t reading the way you expected, or your colors feel off, you’re not stuck waiting while the class moves on.

Then there’s Simba. The studio has one Bengal cat named Simba, and he’s part of the experience whether you’re a cat person or just surprised by how quickly cats become curious studio companions. It’s a sweet detail that adds warmth and makes the session feel less like a classroom.

That said, if you have animal allergies, this is not suitable. And if you’re traveling with pets, note that pets aren’t allowed—though Simba is, as the studio cat.

Price and Value: Is $93 Worth It?

At $93 per person for a 2.5-hour private-style workshop, you’re paying for three things:

1) Instruction from a working local artist (Laura)

2) A complete set of materials and workspace (paints, brushes, palette, easel, protective apron)

3) A small-group learning environment where you can actually get help

What you’re not paying for is the frustrating part of DIY art. You’re not sourcing acrylic supplies, guessing which brush to buy, or figuring out the canvas process from scratch while keeping everything clean. You’re also not paying for a large “hang out and hope for the best” event, because the format is structured around a step-by-step aurora reference.

If you like crafts where you leave with a physical result, this price starts to make sense fast. If you’re trying to save every euro and already own all supplies, it may feel like a luxury. But for most visitors, it’s a straightforward way to get a meaningful souvenir without turning the evening into a project.

Who This Paint & Sip Workshop Suits Best

This works especially well if:

• you want an aurora-themed souvenir without needing any art background
• you enjoy hands-on activities with guidance
• you like quiet, friendly evenings with a small group
• you want local instruction in English or Finnish

It may not be the best fit if:

• you need wheelchair accessibility (the studio entry isn’t accessible because it’s up a 2nd floor with no elevator)
• you have a serious animal allergy
• you’re traveling with kids under 18 (it’s not suitable for children under 18)

Also, if you’re hoping for something that’s purely social with zero focus on painting, you might find it a bit structured. The class is guided, and you’ll be creating a real canvas from start to finish.

Practical Tips to Make Your Painting Easier

A few small choices can make the workshop smoother:

• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. Even with an apron, accidents happen.
• Consider a change of clothes if you’re risk-averse about fabric stains.
• Be ready to follow the steps. The reference artwork is key to getting results quickly.
• Ask for help early if something feels confusing. It’s a small group, so you won’t be stuck later when time runs out.
• Bring your own alcohol only if you want it. Non-alcoholic drinks are included either way.

Should You Book This Aurora Paint & Sip in Rovaniemi?

I think you should book it if you want a warm, creative evening in Rovaniemi that reliably ends with something you made. The combination of Laura’s step-by-step approach, the small group size, and the included supplies makes it a low-stress way to get an aurora souvenir that isn’t just a photo. Plus, Simba adds a fun, memorable touch—one you’ll probably remember longer than you expect.

I’d skip it if accessibility is a dealbreaker, if you can’t be around cats, or if you want a kid-friendly activity (it’s for adults only, 18+). And if you hate any chance of paint on clothing, plan your outfit carefully or bring a change.

If you’re building an aurora trip and want a guaranteed creative win, this workshop is an excellent choice.

FAQ

How long is the Rovaniemi Paint & Sip workshop?

It lasts 2.5 hours.

Do I need any painting experience?

No. The workshop is taught with step-by-step guidance, and it’s designed to be easy to follow even for beginners.

What size canvas will I paint on?

You’ll paint on a 30x40cm canvas.

Are art supplies included?

Yes. You’ll get acrylic paints, brushes, palettes, an easel, and a protective apron.

What drinks are included?

Non-alcoholic beverages are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can bring your own.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor works in English and Finnish.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring comfortable clothes and a change of clothes. Acrylic paint is water-based and comes off skin well, but it can be harder to get out of clothes.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The entry is not accessible because it’s on the 2nd floor with no elevator, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is there a cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.