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Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep

The Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep activation is a free, fun pop-up activation where each day local artists will place handmade ornaments in different locations in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).  

Ornaments are hidden in trees and other areas near retailers, restaurants and attractions in Western Gateway, Historic Court District, central Downtown and the Historic East Village to encourage patrons to shop locally while participating in the scavenger hunt. 

Information for the 2024 activation will be announced at a later date.

How to Participate

Artists will make sure that ornaments are easily accessible and will post pictures and clues on the whereabouts of the ornaments each day using #downtownDSM and #DSMlocal. Interested individuals can also find more information as well as ornament photos by following @DSMpartnership and @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram. Participants who find an ornament are encouraged to share a photo of themselves with the ornament for social media and then take it home with them. Please limit to one ornament per family. 

Participating 2023 Artists:  

  • Anka Snider 
  • Autumn Rozario 
  • Claire Elise 
  • Dark Phoenix Designs 
  • Dina Bechman 
  • Emily Hodges 
  • Emily MacFarland 
  • Hanna Piepel 
  • Jami Milne 
  • Jennifer Lee 
  • Jess Quinn 
  • Kolby Friedrichsen 
  • Marion Nehmer 
  • Megan Hammer 
  • Nicole K. James, 
  • Paola Elena 
  • Teri Breck 
  • Terri Eger 
  • Tim Schmitt 
  • Tone the Movemaker 

The Partnership also featured regional activations. Ornaments were hidden in various counties throughout The Partnership's service area. The location changed daily, allowing residents across the region to take part in this fun holiday tradition. Learn more at The Partnership website.  

To learn more about shopping local in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the Downtown DSM Guide and the #DSMlocal Buying Guide.