An illumination system for a vehicle is provided and includes a plurality of illumination units each having at least one light emitting diode attached thereto. A plurality of electrical leads connect the plurality of illumination units. The plurality of illumination units and the plurality of electrical leads are interconnected to define an illumination circuit that is embedded within at least one vehicle structure. Light emitted by at least one of the illumination units is guided from within the at least one vehicle structure to illuminate a vehicle interior.