55F is too warm to chill tulips. They will likely start growing if you don't get them colder. You would be better off placing them in the refrigerator in the veggie drawer until ready to put outside. Keep them away from ripening fruits which release a gas that can rot them.

Tulips are fine frozen in ice though, so why not just put the containers outside? I am not clear why you were advised that having them freeze would be an issue. My sister plants hers in a window box it freezes solid for a couple months. If you think about it, our ground can freeze solid to 4 ft down in cold years. Clearly freezing them isn't a problem.

Tulips are really tough and can take the cold. Some folks around our parts even stick them into the ground after Christmas assuming the soil can still be dug. They still do well.

Many times I have bought spring bulbs on sale on or around Dec 24 and planted them on Christmas day. They've always done OK. I think this year, with our warmer temps will do the same again. Some nurseries give away whatever hardy bulbs they have left on Dec 24.....they're not gonna sell anyway and it's good PR.

Dave
Milwaukee