LEGO's 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) Collection: A Detailed Look at the Trotting Lantern
LEGO celebrates the Lunar New Year annually with themed sets. Following 2021's Spring Festival garden and 2024's Auspicious Dragon, 2025 brings three new Year of the Snake sets. This review focuses on the most elaborate: a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional trotting lantern.
The LEGO Trotting Lantern: A Feast for the Eyes
Priced at $129.95 on Amazon and $129.99 at the LEGO Store, this 1295-piece set (#80116) is available now. Its exterior is breathtakingly detailed. From intricately designed red lanterns to gold accents and cloud-and-rock wall art, every inch is adorned.
A Layered Building Experience
Constructing the lantern is a rewarding journey of layered detail. The core structure forms the base, upon which increasingly intricate elements are added. This multi-stage building process mirrors the delightful complexity of the now-retired LEGO Carousel, offering a constant sense of anticipation and wonder.
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Mechanical Features and Hidden Dioramas
Inspired by historical trotting lanterns powered by oil lamps, the LEGO version incorporates a light brick and rotating mechanism. While the projected image is somewhat blurry, the main attraction lies within the lantern itself. Opening the upper section reveals three charming dioramas: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. These hidden scenes add a delightful surprise element. The set includes five minifigures, a snake costume, dumplings, a red envelope, a shadow puppet, and chopsticks.
Final Verdict: A Stunning Lunar New Year Celebration
While the mechanical light projection might not fully live up to expectations, the lantern's aesthetic beauty and cleverly concealed dioramas make it a truly exceptional set. Its intricate details and captivating design make it a worthwhile purchase for LEGO enthusiasts and Lunar New Year collectors alike. Despite its 9+ age rating, its complexity suggests a more challenging build suitable for older builders.
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 available now at [Amazon](available now at Amazon) and the LEGO Store.
