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 three exciting 2025 sets celebrating the Year of the Snake. This review focuses on the most elaborate offering: a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional trotting lantern.
The lantern, more than a simple model, is a testament to LEGO's design prowess. Its exterior boasts exquisite detail; red lanterns hang from buttresses, gold accents adorn the borders, and the walls depict a captivating scene of clouds and rocks.
Construction is a layered process, starting with the core lantern and progressively adding intricate details. This layered approach delivers a satisfying build experience, 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 mechanism faithfully recreates the lantern's historical function.
The lantern's upper section opens to reveal three charming mini-dioramas: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. This cleverly concealed feature adds a delightful surprise to the overall design. The set includes five minifigures, a snake costume, dumplings, a red envelope, a shadow puppet, and chopsticks.
The set's value proposition hinges on the buyer's priorities. While the light-up, rotating feature may not fully justify the price, the aesthetic appeal and hidden dioramas make it a stunning centerpiece for any Lunar New Year display. Despite its 9+ age rating, the complexity suggests a more mature build experience.
The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116), priced at $129.99 and containing 1295 pieces, is [available now at Amazon](link to Amazon) and the LEGO Store. Consider this set if you appreciate intricate detail and hidden surprises.
