A rain gutter illumination system having a cover for attaching to a rain gutter with an aperture along the substantial length of the cover, and opposing recesses for retaining a decorative insert. When the decorative insert is inserted in the cover, it is held in place by the recesses, and a light source and optional diffusing panel may be arranged in the cover so that the light source projects light through the aperture of the illuminable surface. The light source may be remotely controllable using a wireless remote control device, such as a smart phone over a network connection.