LEGO's 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) Collection: A Detailed Look at the Trotting Lantern
LEGO is celebrating the Year of the Snake with three new sets. This review focuses on the most elaborate: a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional trotting lantern, set #80116.
The lantern's exterior is breathtakingly detailed. Intricate decorations adorn every surface, from the hanging red lanterns to the gold-accented walls depicting a sky and clouds framed by rocks. This level of detail extends to the construction process itself, a layered approach that builds anticipation with each added element, reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel.
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Inspired by Han Dynasty lanterns, the model incorporates a rotating mechanism. A light brick illuminates a clear piece with a black-lined image, projecting it onto the lantern's side. While the advertised wall projection feature is blurry and ineffective, the rotating image within the lantern itself is a charming detail.
The lantern's upper section opens to reveal three delightful mini-dioramas: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. This hidden element adds a layer of surprise and visual intrigue. The set includes five minifigures, one in a snake costume, along with accessories such as dumplings, a red envelope, a shadow puppet, and chopsticks.
The overall appeal of this set hinges on your priorities. While the light-up, rotating feature might not justify the price alone, the stunning aesthetics and intricate mini-scenes within make it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a beautiful and detailed Lunar New Year celebration. Its complexity suggests an 18+ difficulty despite the 9+ age rating.
The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116), containing 1295 pieces, retails for $129.99 and is currently available at Amazon and the LEGO Store. For more LEGO recommendations, explore our selections of the best LEGO sets overall, the best Marvel LEGO sets, and the most expensive LEGO sets.
