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 the 2021 Ox and 2024 Dragon sets, 2025's Year of the Snake introduces three new builds. This review focuses on the most elaborate: a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional trotting lantern.
The Lantern's Exquisite Detailing
This isn't your average LEGO build. The exterior is incredibly detailed, boasting an abundance of decorative elements. From intricately designed walls depicting sky and clouds to hanging red lanterns and gold accents, every inch is thoughtfully adorned.
A Layered Building Experience
Construction is a layered process, starting with the lantern's core and progressively adding intricate details. This creates a satisfying build experience, reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel, with each new layer revealing further decorative elements.
Mechanical Features and Dioramas
Inspired by historical trotting lanterns using oil lamps and rotating silhouettes, the LEGO version incorporates a light brick and rotating mechanism. While the projected image is somewhat blurry, the overall effect is charming.
More impressively, the lantern opens to reveal three miniature dioramas: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. This hidden element adds a delightful surprise and enhances the playability. The set includes five minifigures and various accessories.
Final Verdict: A Stunning Lunar New Year Celebration
While the mechanical light projection might not justify the price alone, the lantern's aesthetic appeal and hidden dioramas make it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a visually stunning and intricately detailed LEGO set. It's a beautiful celebration of the Lunar New Year, exceeding its 9+ age rating in terms of complexity and visual impact.
The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116) retails for $129.99 and contains 1295 pieces. It is currently available at Amazon and the LEGO Store.
