Abstract: The invention is a handrail illumination system that will provide uniform distribution of illumination on stairways, walkways and the like that is completely integrated within a handrail and includes a control circuit which energizes light assemblies automatically when any point on the surface of a wood handrail senses anatomical contact or anatomical proximity thereby eliminating the necessity of locating and actuating manually operated wall switches. The anatomical contact or proximity switch will remain in the on position for the duration of anatomical contact or proximity with a time delay switching the lamps to off position when anatomical contact or proximity terminates. The illuminating lamps and associated structure are incorporated into housings built into the handrail and the control circuit structure is likewise incorporated into a housing incorporated into the handrail.