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Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep

Holiday magic is hiding all around Greater Des Moines! Join the fun and uncover one-of-a-kind holiday treasures during the sixth annual Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep, happening Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 14.

Each day, local artists will hide their handcrafted ornaments in trees and other whimsical spots near your favorite shops, restaurants and attractions across the region. Every ornament is a unique, artist-designed keepsake. They are free to find, free to keep and sure to bring a little extra sparkle to your season.

Bonus surprise! One ornament at each location will include a gift card to a business in the area – another reason to get out and support local favorites this season.

Follow the Clues and Join the Hunt!

Local artists will tuck their ornaments into easily accessible hiding spots and share daily hints about where to find them using #DSMUSA, #downtownDSM and #DSMlocal. Keep your eyes peeled and your phones handy so you can uncover extra clues and see photos of the handmade ornaments by following @DSMpartnership and @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram.

Find one? Snap a selfie with your discovery and share it on social media to spread the holiday cheer! Then, take your ornament home as a keepsake. (To make sure everyone gets a chance to join the fun, please limit to one ornament per family.)

Locations and artists for the 2025 festive scavenger hunt include:

Friday, Dec. 5: Adel, Pella, Polk City

  • Janssen Custom Fabrication
  • Karley's Collection
  • Brandon Olsen

Saturday, Dec. 6: Greenfield, Osceola, Oskaloosa

  • Hanna Piepel Design Studio
  • Lori Ristau
  • Vandal Artistry

Sunday, Dec. 7: Ankeny, Des Moines – Western Gateway Park

  • Teri Breck
  • Allison Thomley

Monday, Dec. 8: Perry, Pleasant Hill

  • Mindy Carlson
  • Jennifer Lee

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Newton, Panora

  • Clark Colby
  • Stefanie Munro

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Carlisle, Winterset

  • Hand-Me-Down Talents
  • Courtney Moller of Art You Wood Love

Thursday, Dec. 11: Grinnell / Grinnell College, Knoxville

  • Macrame by Kourtney
  • Tim Schmitt

Friday, Dec. 12: Des Moines – Historic East Village, Earlham, Marshalltown

  • Kate Bailly
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Artisan Guild
  • Tammie Harcharik of T Harcharik Designs

Saturday, Dec. 13: Des Moines – Historic Court District, Norwalk

  • Sara Carlson from Dark Phoenix Designs
  • Oak & Ember

Sunday, Dec. 14: Des Moines – Central Downtown, Urbandale

  • Tibi Chelcea
  • Urbandale High School Art Department

Holiday Cheer Across the Region!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is spreading the magic far and wide this season! Each day, new communities across the region will join in the fun as ornaments are hidden in different towns and neighborhoods throughout The Partnership’s service area to encourage everyone to shop locally. With locations changing daily, everyone has a chance to take part in this beloved holiday activity, no matter where you call home.

Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep is sponsored by BRAVO Greater Des Moines, MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Prairie Meadows and the Principal Foundation.

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