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 celebrates the Lunar New Year annually 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 traditional Chinese iconography, and a magnificent Trotting Lantern (set #80116), the focus of this review.

The Trotting Lantern, a replica of a traditional design, is far more intricate than initially apparent. Its exterior boasts extravagant detail: red lanterns, gold accents, and beautifully rendered sky and cloud scenes on the lantern's walls.

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Construction is a layered process, adding details upon details, creating a delightful building experience reminiscent of the now-retired LEGO Carousel.

Inspired by historical Han Dynasty lanterns, the set includes a light brick mechanism. While the advertised wall projection is blurry, the internal rotating image effect is a charming nod to the original lanterns' design.

The lantern's upper section opens to reveal three miniature scenes: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. Five minifigures, including one with a snake costume, and various accessories (dumplings, red envelope, shadow puppet, chopsticks) enhance the playability.

The set's value depends on your priorities. While the light-up mechanism may not justify the price alone, the aesthetic appeal and hidden dioramas make it a stunning Lunar New Year centerpiece. Rated for ages 9+, its complexity suggests a more mature build.

The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116), containing 1295 pieces, is available now at Amazon and the LEGO Store for $129.99. For more LEGO recommendations, explore our selections of the best LEGO sets, Marvel LEGO sets, and most expensive LEGO sets.