We present visible spectra of highly charged holmium ions, which is a potential candidate ion for constructing a precise atomic clock. A compact electron beam ion trap is used for producing and trapping holmium ions. By observing electron energy dependence of the spectra, the charge state is assigned for each emission line. We also present theoretical transition frequency and amplitude obtained with two different methods. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.