We Build the LEGO Trotting Lantern, a 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration

LEGO's 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) Collection: A Detailed Look at the Trotting Lantern

LEGO continues its tradition of celebrating Lunar New Year with themed sets. Following the 2021 ox and 2024 dragon sets, 2025's Year of the Snake brings three new offerings: a Lucky Cat, a Good Fortune set featuring classic Chinese imagery (fan, calligraphy, ingots), and the magnificent Trotting Lantern (set #80116), the subject of this review.

The Trotting Lantern: More Than Meets the Eye

This intricate model is a testament to LEGO's design prowess. The exterior alone is a feast for the eyes, boasting exquisite detail from the hanging red lanterns to the gold accents and cloud-and-rock-themed walls.

98 Images

The build itself is a layered delight, progressively adding intricate details. This multi-stage construction evokes the joy of discovery, reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel.

A Nod to History, with a Modern Twist

Inspired by Han Dynasty lanterns, the set incorporates a rotating mechanism. A light brick illuminates a clear piece with a black-lined image, projecting it onto the lantern's side. Rotating a rod animates the projection. While the advertised wall projection is blurry and not a key feature, the in-lantern effect is charming.

Hidden Treasures Within

The lantern's upper section opens to reveal three delightful miniature scenes: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. This clever design adds a layer of surprise and visual depth. The set includes five minifigures, one with a snake costume, along with accessories like dumplings, a red envelope, a shadow puppet, and chopsticks.

Verdict: A Stunning Lunar New Year Celebration

While the rotating light feature might not fully justify the price for some, the Trotting Lantern's aesthetic appeal and hidden dioramas make it a captivating build. It's a beautiful and intricate representation of Lunar New Year traditions, perfect for enthusiasts aged 9 and up (though the complexity suggests a more mature builder).

Available now at Amazon and the LEGO Store for $129.99 (1295 pieces).

For more LEGO recommendations, explore our selections of the best LEGO sets overall, the best Marvel LEGO sets, and the most expensive LEGO sets.