Andrea Bocelli loves Christmas.

Precisely why the Italian crooner, 51, is particularly excited to play his Yuletide favorites Saturday at BankAtlantic Center.

Most of the songs will be from Bocelli's new album My Christmas, which has holiday classics (think Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Jingle Bells) and features such high-wattage collaborators as Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole, The Muppets and Mormon Tabernacle Choir, though he'll be solo on stage.

``I think Christmas is the most beautiful holiday of the year,'' Bocelli says in English from his home in northern Tuscany. ``It's for everybody -- children, adults -- and it's a beautiful atmosphere.''

Though he is used to a little more cold during this time of year.

``We're having warm weather here, but nothing like Florida. When I was a child we did have a white Christmas one year. The snow was very nice.''

Believe it or not, his two sons -- Amos, 14, and Matteo, 12 -- don't get spoiled.

``In Italy there is a big tradition of presents, but I don't give them any,'' says Bocelli, who plans on going to church in the morning and then having a big family lunch on the big day. ``They'll receive things from all their relatives, though.''

Bocelli -- who has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide -- will prepare for the concert, as he always does: by not talking.

``I stay in my room in complete silence before a show,'' he says. ``You can't speak if you want to have the voice in good shape for the evening.''

Bocelli spends the time reading or, of course, listening to music.

``My passion is for opera,'' says Bocelli, who has been blind since age 12 (congenital glaucoma combined with a sports injury). ``In my computer I have many CDs. From Caruso until our days -- Anna Netrebko and Cecilia Bartoli. The world is full of beautiful voices.''

Not to mention his. Luciano Pavarotti's disciple has been blowing away American audiences since his first internationally released CD, 1997's Romanza, featuring the hit Con Te Partire [Time To Say Goodbye].

Even non-opera fans can appreciate the angelic voice of the man often called ``The King of Popera.''

But Bocelli still can't rest on his laurels.

``When I step on stage, I feel the audience so strong,'' he says. ``I feel a big responsibility. I say, `Now it's up to me.' ''

-- MADELEINE MARR

The show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.