A- A+

Hide & Seek Ornaments You Keep Returns Friday, Dec. 8 – Sunday, Dec. 17

November 28, 2023

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Nov. 28, 2023) – Deck the halls with homemade ornaments during the fourth annual Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep activation. This free, fun pop-up activation will return this holiday season to encourage people from across the region to support local businesses. 

Each day from Friday, Dec. 8 – Sunday, Dec. 17, local artists will be placing handmade ornaments in different locations in Downtown DSM. Ornaments will be 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. 

“We are excited to continue this holiday tradition for Downtown Des Moines for a fourth year,” said Molly Atkins, Events Specialist at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep is a great way to bring the community together for a fun activity while supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Des Moines.” 

Participating 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 

This Downtown DSM activation is produced by The Partnership and sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company, Prairie Meadows and Principal Financial Group.  

New this year, The Partnership will also feature regional activations. Ornaments will be hidden in various counties throughout The Partnership's service area. The location will change daily, allowing residents across the region to take part in this fun holiday tradition. 

Regional Schedule

Friday, Dec. 8 – Madison County: Winterset  
Saturday, Dec. 9 – Adair County: Greenfield 
Sunday, Dec. 10 – Dallas County: Waukee 
Monday, Dec. 11 – Jasper County: Newton  
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Poweshiek County: Grinnell 
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Warren County: Indianola 
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Mahaska County: Oskaloosa  
Friday, Dec. 15 – Marion County: Pella  
Saturday, Dec. 16 – Marshall: Marshalltown  
Sunday, Dec. 17 – Guthrie County: Panora 

Artists will make sure that ornaments are easily accessible and will share and post clues on the whereabouts of the ornaments each day using #DSMUSA, #downtownDSM and #DSMlocal. Interested individuals can 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.  

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. 

About Downtown, DSM, Inc. 

Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes a strong Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking.