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

LEGO Unveils Exquisite Trotting Lantern for 2025 Lunar New Year

LEGO's 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) collection features three captivating sets, including a Lucky Cat and a Good Fortune set showcasing traditional Chinese iconography. However, the standout piece is the intricately detailed Trotting Lantern (#80116), a stunning replica of a traditional Han Dynasty lantern. This 1295-piece set, reviewed here, offers far more than initially meets the eye.

The lantern's exterior is a masterpiece of miniature detail. From the hanging red lanterns to the gold-accented borders and the cloud-and-rock-framed sky depicted on the walls, every inch is meticulously crafted.

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Building the lantern is a layered experience, adding details upon details, creating a sense of anticipation and delight reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel.

Inspired by the historical use of oil lamps to power the rotation of paper cutouts, the LEGO lantern features a light brick and rotating mechanism. While the advertised wall projection is somewhat blurry, the internal details are truly captivating.

Opening the upper tier reveals three charming dioramas: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater, cleverly concealed within the lantern's cylinder. Five minifigures, including one with a snake costume, and various accessories enhance the playability.

The set's value proposition hinges on your priorities. While the light-up, rotating feature might not justify the price alone, the aesthetic beauty and hidden dioramas make it a stunning Lunar New Year centerpiece. Rated for ages 9+, its complexity suggests a more mature building experience.

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