Transparent SiO2-Al2O3-BaCO3-YE3-BaF2 glass ceramics co-doped with Yb3+/Ho3+ ions were prepared by melt quenching and subsequent heating. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that BaYF5 nanocrystals incorporated with Yb3+ and Ho3+ were precipitated homogeneously among the oxide glass matrix. Three upconversion emission bands centered at 483 nm, 545 nm and 645 nm, corresponding to the F-5(3) -> I-5(8), S-5(2), F-5(4) -> I-5(8) and F-5(5) -> I-5(8) transitions of Ho3+ respectively, were detected under 976 nm excitation, ascribing to the efficient energy transfer from Yb3+ to Ho3+. The red emission is prevailing in the precursor glass, while the green one turns to be dominant in the glass ceramic. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.