Hi
No don't dry them out - that would be fatal to your lily bulb. If you cannot replant right away, they can be stored in damp peat moss in a cool location otherwise just replant them in a larger container.

I've overwintered potted lilies (white stargazers) here on Long Island. Last winter we had a severe winter and they all survived.

I took the large pot, placed it in the dormant vegetable garden and surrounded it with cut grass and leaves. Also, I kept the top covered so water couldn't get in and do a freeze/thaw.

I did, however, replant the pot in the Spring. The flowers all came back and will be replanted out into the garden this Fall.

You can overwinter in pots, but it's takes some preparation. Can you heel them in somewhere, just for the Winter? My concern would be your note that the pots are small...that could make them more susceptible to freezing right to the bulb. I've heeled over daylilies with success but then again, you could run over them with a truck and they'd probably still come back!

Good luck and let us know how things work out.

Ciao,
OITGAD