Lunar Lantern Trotting: LEGO Unveils 2025 Celebration

LEGO's 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) Collection: A Detailed Look at the Trotting Lantern

LEGO continues its Lunar New Year tradition with a captivating 2025 collection celebrating the Year of the Snake. This review focuses on the most elaborate set: a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional trotting lantern (#80116).

The set, priced at $129.99 and comprising 1295 pieces, is available now at Amazon and the LEGO Store. Beyond the initial impression of a beautiful lantern, lies a wealth of intricate detail.

A Closer Look at the LEGO Trotting Lantern

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The lantern's exterior is exquisitely detailed. Red lanterns hang from the buttresses, gold accents adorn the borders, and the walls themselves depict a stunning sky and cloud scene framed by rocks.

Construction is a layered process, starting with the core lantern and progressively adding intricate details. This multi-stage build offers a unique sense of anticipation and satisfaction, reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel.

Inspired by historical Han Dynasty lanterns, the model incorporates a light brick and rotating mechanism. While the projected image is somewhat blurry, the internal diorama is the true highlight.

Opening the upper tier reveals three charming miniature scenes: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. These hidden details add a delightful element of surprise. The set includes five minifigures, one dressed in a snake costume, along with accessories like dumplings, a red envelope, a shadow puppet, and chopsticks.

The set's value proposition hinges on your priorities. While the light-up, rotating feature might not fully justify the price, the aesthetic appeal and intricate internal scenes make it a stunning Lunar New Year centerpiece. Although rated for ages 9+, the complexity suggests a more mature building experience.

For more LEGO reviews, explore our selections of the best LEGO sets overall, the best Marvel LEGO sets, and the most expensive LEGO sets. The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116) is a beautiful and intricate addition to any LEGO collection.