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 trio of 2025 (Year of the Snake) sets. This review focuses on the most elaborate offering: a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional trotting lantern.

Beyond its initial appearance, this model boasts exceptional detail. Every element, from the hanging red lanterns to the intricately designed walls depicting sky and clouds within rock formations, showcases a commitment to extravagance.

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The construction process is a layered delight. Building progresses from the core lantern to progressively more intricate details, culminating in a surprising level of depth. This layered approach evokes the joy of discovery, reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel.

Inspired by Han Dynasty lanterns, the model incorporates a light brick and rotating mechanism. While the projected image is somewhat blurry, the internal details are far more impressive.

The lantern's upper section opens to reveal three charming miniature scenes: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. These hidden dioramas add a layer of playful surprise. The set includes five minifigures, a snake-costumed figure, and various accessories.

The set's value proposition hinges on individual priorities. While the light-up, rotating feature may not justify the price for some, the stunning aesthetics and intricate internal details make it a captivating Lunar New Year celebration. Despite its 9+ age rating, the complexity suggests a more mature building experience.

The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116), containing 1295 pieces, retails for $129.99 and is currently available at Amazon and the LEGO Store.