Abstract: A mechanical holder is disclosed for holding Christmas trees of various sizes and trunk shapes. The holder includes a base, a vessel fixed to the base and provided with a centering spike, and several retaining elements regularly spaced apart around the vessel. In their retaining position above the vessel, the retaining elements can swivel independently of each other to align and retain the Christmas tree with their faces towards the axis of symmetry. According to the invention, the Christmas tree stand has a single tensioning device which applies to the tree trunk the force required to align and retain the tree. Through the action of several force transmitting elements and diverting elements, the retaining elements compensate for possible irregularities or slanted tree growth.