At a Glance
- Treb Heining has led Times Square’s confetti drop for 33 years.
- Each New Year’s Eve, 3,000 pounds of biodegradable confetti rain from the city’s high-rise windows.
- 70 boxes of confetti are delivered to Times Square every Dec. 29, coordinated by 100 volunteers.
- Why it matters: Millions worldwide watch the spectacle, and the tradition shapes New York City’s iconic celebration.
For 33 years, Treb Heining has turned Times Square’s midnight ball drop into a confetti-filled fireworks show. Each year, 3,000 pounds of biodegradable tissue paper rain from the city’s high-rise windows, a spectacle coordinated by 100 volunteers. The tradition, which began in 1992, is a highlight for millions who watch the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve.
The Confetti Drop
Heining’s team releases the confetti 20 seconds before midnight, timing the blast so the air is already swirling when the ball descends. The drop is hand-released from 100 volunteer positions across seven buildings, each crew chief communicating by radio. The result is a blizzard of color that fills the square for the first minute of the new year.
- 70 boxes of confetti, each ~45 pounds
- 3,000 pounds total
- Confetti made by The Beistle Company, 100% biodegradable
Treb Heining stated:
> “We want the confetti in the air by the time the ball is at the base and it’s a new year.”
Treb Heining added:
> “We usually start the confetti about 20 seconds before midnight.”
Treb Heining said:
> “Go confetti! Go confetti! Go confetti!”
Behind the Scenes
Volunteer selection begins in February with an online request form; only about 30-40 are chosen each year to keep the crew under 120.
On Dec. 29, the boxes arrive and are unpacked, then split into 130 smaller containers mixed with handwritten New Year wishes from the Wishing Wall.
At 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, volunteers attend an orientation that covers safety, timing, and the “throw” technique.
- Roll call and introductions
- Crew chief assignments
- Safety briefing
- Throw practice
Treb Heining said:
> “We have people from all over the world that do this now.”
A Legacy of Ballooning
Before confetti, Heining pioneered the balloon industry, founding Balloon Art by Treb in 1979 and designing the Glasshouse Balloon for Disney parks.
His balloon work earned him a spot on the Late Show with David Letterman in the 1990s.
Looking Ahead
Heining’s crew will drop 2,000 pounds of red, white and blue confetti at 12:04 a.m. to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The tradition continues, with Heining announcing each year’s cue with the iconic “Go confetti!” call.
| Event | Time | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Confetti Release | 11:59:40 p.m. | 20 seconds before midnight |
| Ball Drop | 11:59:59 p.m. | Ball descends |
| Post-Midnight Drop | 12:04 a.m. | 2,000-pound national tribute |
Key Takeaways
- Treb Heining has been the driving force behind Times Square’s confetti tradition for 33 years.
- The drop releases 3,000 pounds of biodegradable confetti, coordinated by 100 volunteers.
- The 2024 celebration will include a special 2,000-pound post-midnight drop for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
With each confetti burst, Heining preserves a glittering tradition that unites New Yorkers and viewers worldwide.
